Cat doesn't come in of his own accord - should I worry?

[BarbaraVineFan]

We have had our 11 year old rescue cat since June. At first he almost never went out, but now he is much more confident and loves to go out during the day and at night. We live in a development which has huge, safe communal gardens and there are lots of cats here, so I think he really enjoys being outside.

He used to come in for breakfast and dinner using his cat flap, but recently he just hangs around near the front door and even when I open it and call him, he doesn't come in. However, when I pick him up and carry him in, he always seems happy to be with us and will hang around, purring, for cuddles after he has eaten.

Is this something I should worry about? I have never encountered a cat that doesn't come in at meal times before!

He eats well when he does come in, so it's not that he isn't hungry

Hopeful bump...

I suspect he has just got it into his little cat brain that that is how it works. You carry him to his meals. It's what a master deserves from his staff.

Does he take himself out or come in during the day?

He takes himself out fine. He doesn't seem to come in during the day - certainly doesn't at the weekend, but might during the week I suppose, while I am at work.